What principle highlights the need for redundancy in aircraft systems?

The principle that underscores the need for redundancy in aircraft systems is fault tolerance. This principle is critical in aviation because it involves designing systems in such a way that, even if one component fails, the overall system remains operational and capable of performing its required functions. By incorporating redundancy, an aircraft can mitigate the risks associated with individual system failures, enhancing safety and reliability during flight operations.

For example, in critical systems such as flight control and navigation, having multiple backup systems ensures that if one system encounters a malfunction, another can take over seamlessly, thus preventing potential accidents. This is particularly important in aviation, where safety is paramount, and the consequences of system failures can be catastrophic. Therefore, fault tolerance is a fundamental design ethos in the aviation industry, aimed at protecting both passengers and crew by ensuring continuous functionality despite failures.